Modi extends Pakistan Day wishes to PM Imran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him ahead of Pakistan Day, March 23.

PM Imran in a tweet said that he received a message from his Indian counterpart, expressing good wishes for the neighbouring country.

“It is time that people of the sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive and prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence,” said the India PM according to the tweet.

In another tweet, the PM said that he welcomed his Indian counterpart’s message to Pakistani people. 

 In his response the PM stated: “As we celebrate Pakistan Day, I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address and resolve all issues, especially the central issue of Kashmir, and forge a new relationship based on peace and prosperity for all our people.”

The country will be celebrating Pakistan Day on March 23 (Saturday) with usual zeal and fervour. 

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is visiting Pakistan upon PM Imran's invitation, will be the guest of honour at the Pakistan Day Parade tomorrow.

This is the first contact, especially on a pleasant note, between the two prime ministers of the nuclear-armed countries. The development came after the two neighbours faced stand offs following the Pulwama incident, in which 40 were killed.

Pakistan and India were involved in a rare aerial engagement, which had ignited fears of an all-out conflict. Indian Air Force jets, on February 26, violated Pakistan's airspace and were forced to return owing to the "timely response" of the Pakistan Air Force. On February 27, PAF shot down two Indian warplanes in Pakistan's airspace and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

PM Imran had ordered the release of the Indian pilot as a "peace gesture". IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan was sent to India through Wagah border on March 1.